FAQ

Upper Piedmont Environmental Landfill is owned and operated by Republic Services of North Carolina, LLC.

The facility accepts approximately 660 tons of waste daily.

The waste disposed of at Upper Piedmont Environmental Landfill is generated at homes and businesses in North Carolina and Virginia within a 60-mile radius of the Landfill.

Upper Piedmont Environmental Landfill accepts Municipal Solid Waste, Commercial Waste and Non-Hazardous Industrial Waste. We cannot accept tires, batteries, wood pallets or hazardous wastes.

Upper Piedmont Environmental Landfill is operated in a manner designed to protect public health and the environment. We regularly monitor and report our activities to the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), and we strive to meet or exceed all state and federal regulations. All waste is disposed of within the boundary of a constructed landfill area that has been engineered to protect the environment and meets all federal, state and local regulations. There are many environmental protection systems at Upper Piedmont Environmental Landfill. Landfill liner: The liner at the base of the landfill consists of 1.5-2 feet of compacted clay liner, a high-density polyethylene liner, a fabric drainage layer, gravel drainage corridors and leachate collection pipes, and 2 feet of protective cover. In total, there are over 4 feet of constructed liner between the waste and the natural environment. All of the liners are tested to meet regulations and ensure proper engineering construction standards. Leachate collection: Protection of all water sources is a priority at Upper Piedmont Environmental Landfill. The Landfill is designed with a state of the art composite liner system designed to contain any leachate that percolates through the solid waste. Once collected, the leachate is transported to the City of Burlington wastewater facility where it is treated for disposal. Surface water runoff is controlled through a series of diversion berms and drainage ditches to preserve its quality. Rainwater collection: Rainwater that does not touch any waste must also be managed appropriately. Stormwater runoff is collected and contained in detention ponds, which allow soil particles to settle before the water is discharged to a nearby waterway. Visual inspections are conducted weekly, and analysis is done semi-annually. Groundwater monitoring: Upper Piedmont Environmental Landfill assesses groundwater with 10 individual groundwater monitoring wells. Each well is tested to verify the groundwater’s quality. Gas collection: Once trash is disposed of, it naturally decomposes and produces gas. A landfill gas management system collects gas through a series of pipes and 45 gas wells. Collected gas is safely destroyed at an on-site flare. The gas system, on-site structures and gas probes are regularly monitored to prevent gas emissions and gas migration. Final capping: Once we bring our elevation to final grade, we place a final cover over the top to entomb the waste. This cover keeps liquids out and gases in and ensures protection of the environment. The cap includes 18 inches of soil or clay, a low-density polyethylene liner, a geocomposite layer, and 24 inches of topsoil and vegetation.

The facility is fully permitted and inspected by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) annually, or more often.

The residents and businesses near Upper Piedmont generate hundreds of tons of municipal solid waste on a daily basis. Upper Piedmont Environmental Landfill serves as one outlet for proper trash disposal for this waste.

The landfill is an integral part of the local economy and infrastructure. It provides jobs for local residents and affordable, responsible waste disposal options for residents and businesses.

Proper daily operations are critical to environmentally sound waste disposal. All employees at Upper Piedmont Environmental Landfill are trained to handle incoming waste in an environmentally responsible manner. Access to the site is limited to one entrance/exit. The facility records and tracks all waste shipments, and each load of incoming waste is visually inspected to ensure that only permitted materials are accepted for disposal. At the end of each working day, daily cover is placed over the waste. Steps are also taken to control dust, litter and odor.

Landfill gas and odors are controlled with responsible landfill management practices such as waste compaction, applying daily cover per our permit, and the use of an effective landfill gas collection and control system, which includes 45 individual landfill gas wells. The landfill gas system is upgraded and expanded on a regular frequency as the landfill grows. Landfill personnel conduct routine odor inspections to identify potential odors and mitigate them if detected. We also use odor neutralizers to assist in odor control.

The current landfill life expectancy is 46 years.

Once the Landfill is filled to capacity, a final landfill capping system will be installed that consists of an engineered liner, cover soils, and a vegetation layer. At that time the site could be used as an open green space, parks, wildlife viewing area, or nature trails. The site will also be maintained for an additional 30 years in post-closure care after the final closure. This care includes continued groundwater monitoring, leachate management, and compliance reporting until such time the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) approves the site for final closure.

Organic waste can decompose within months, while non-organic waste can take 450-1,000 years to fully decompose, depending on the material.

Upper Piedmont Environmental Landfill is open Monday through Friday from 7:00 am-4:00 pm. Upper Piedmont Environmental Landfill is closed on Saturdays, Sundays and major holidays.

Yes, landfill tours are offered. Please call (336) 364-3699 to arrange a time for a tour.